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Upper Story Windows Pose Danger to Kids

I was reminded about the importance of preventing window falls from an article I read in the Oregonian. The reporter wrote of 4-year-old boy who did not survive a 20 foot fall out of a second story window this past Saturday. This death is a tragic reminder to anyone who has small children in their home that upper-story windows pose a hazard to kids, especially in spring and summer when people open the windows to let in the breeze.

Now that my 10-month-old delights in calling out to the neighbors from our second story bedroom window that is just 24-inches off the floor, I can see how easily it could happen. Nationwide, more than 4,000 children age 5 and younger visit emergency rooms due to falls from windows. At the link below, you'll find tips from the Doernbecher Children's Safety Center on how you can keep your upper story windows safe this summer. Just make sure you are not permanently blocking egress from a window in case of a fire. Enjoy the breeze and stay safe!

Alisa Cour,

Public Information Manager

1 Comment

1

Carolyn

It also happens to older children. My 10 year old daughter pushed her window screen out (frame and all) and fell 15 feet and is now a paraplegic. Screens give you a false sense of security. Until screens are made to be more secure we will continue to see children falling out of windows from pushing on window screens. It is an accident waiting to happen.

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